August 17, 2015 by Rao Dermatology Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is a virus that can cause cancer in small percentages of men and women. Questions with this type of virus are common and it is best to get answers directly from your doctor so you can ensure you have all of the right information. At Rao Dermatology, we offer diagnosis and treatment options for many different conditions of the hair, skin and nails. The number of cancer cases due to HPV have decreased over the last decade because of these measures. Schedule a consultation at Rao Dermatology if you have any concerns and you can talk them over with one of our medical providers.

Because HPV could lead to cancer, it’s important to remember that you are getting screened for it annually. The warts can appear on hands, feet, or genitals, but not all strands of HPV can cause warts. If you feel as if you have come into contact with someone who might have HPV or another contagious skin disorder, we recommend that you come in for tests and exams sooner than your regular annual exam. There are more than 200 different kinds of HPV and only 40 are spread through sexual intercourse. Your skin has to come into contact with someone who is infected with HPV, and you have to contact the infected area.

This will ensure that you will recognize any signs and symptoms soon and get the help and treatment you need as quickly as possible. If you are infected, the virus can be subclinical, which means it can live under the skin without causing any symptoms.